Research

Research Partners | Research Awards | Selected Publications

The UW Sports Cardiology Program has a robust research program that is nationally and internationally recognized for its contributions towards the prevention of sudden cardiac death and the promotion of cardiovascular safety in athletes.  Specific areas of focus include:

  • Frequency and causes of SCA in young athttphletes
  • Cardiovascular screening in athletes and the role of early detection
  • Improving ECG interpretation in athletes and the development of educational resources for health providers around the world
  • Emergency planning and use of defibrillators (AEDs) in the school and athletic settings

 

Research Partners:


“The Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) has a valued relationship with the UW Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology.  The global mission of the KSI is to prevent sudden death in sport and physical activity.  We aim to assist athletes/soldiers/laborers in staying safe during physical activity.  The UW Center for Sports Cardiology is one of the leading organizations generating new knowledge and advocating for policy changes within the realm of cardiac issues for the physically active.  The KSI has relied heavily on the resources they have generated and have partnered with them in many mutually beneficial projects.”   Douglas Casa, PhD, ATC, FACSM, FNATA- Chief Operating Officer of the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut.  

Selected Publications by the UW Sports Cardiology Program related to the prevention of SCD:

  1. Drezner JA. Sudden cardiac death in young athletes: causes, athlete’s heart, and screening guidelines. Postgrad Med. 2000;108(5):37-50
  2. Drezner JA, Rogers KJ, Zimmer RR, Sennett BJ. Use of Automated External Defibrillators at NCAA Division I Universities. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2005;37(9):1487-92
  3. Drezner JA. Practical guidelines for automated external defibrillators in the athletic setting. Clin J Sport Med. 2005;15(5):367-9
  4. Drezner JA, Rogers KJ. Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Intercollegiate Athletes: Detailed Analysis and Outcomes in 9 Cases. Heart Rhythm. 2006;3(7):755-9
  5. Rothmier JD, Drezner JA, Harmon KG. Automated external defibrillators in Washington State high schools. Br J Sports Med. 2007;41:301-5
  6. Drezner JA, Courson RW, Roberts WO, Mosesso VN, Link MS, Maron BJ. Inter-Association Task Force recommendations on emergency preparedness and management of sudden cardiac arrest in high school and college athletic programs: a consensus statement. Heart Rhythm. 2007;4:549-65
  7. Harmon KG, Drezner JA. Update on sideline and event preparation for management of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes. Curr Sports Med Reports. 2007;6:170-6
  8. Drezner JA, Chun JS, Harmon KG, Derminer L. Survival Trends in the United States Following Exercise-related Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the Youth: 2000-2006. Heart Rhythm. 2008;5:794-9
  9. Drezner JA, Khan K. Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes. BMJ. 2008 Jul 3;337:a309 [Commissioned editorial]
  10. Drezner JA. Contemporary Approaches to the Identification of Athletes at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2008 Sep;23(5):494-501
  11. Campbell RM, Berger S, Drezner J. Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Children and Young Athletes: The Importance of a Detailed Personal and Family History in the Pre-Participation Evaluation. Br J Sports Med. 2009;43(5):336-41.
  12. Rothmier JD, Drezner JA. The Role of Automated External Defibrillators in Athletics. Sports Health. 2009;1(1):16-19
  13. Drezner JA, Rao AL, Heistand J, Bloomingdale MK, Harmon KG. Effectiveness of Emergency Response Planning for Sudden Cardiac Arrest in United States High Schools with Automated External Defibrillators. Circulation. 2009;120(6):518-25.
  14. Drezner J, Pluim B, Engebretsen L. Prevention of sudden cardiac death in athletes: new data and modern perspectives confront challenges in the 21st century. Br J Sports Med. 2009;43(9):625-6
  15. Drezner JA. Preparing for sudden cardiac arrest–the essential role of automated external defibrillators in athletic medicine: a critical review. Br J Sports Med. 2009;43(9):702-7
  16. Corrado D, Pelliccia A, Heidbuchel H, Sharma S, Link M, Basso C, Biffi A, Buja G, Delise P, Gussac I, Anastasakis A, Borjesson M, Bjørnstad HH, Carrè F, Deligiannis A, Dugmore D, Fagard R, Hoogsteen J, Mellwig KP, Panhuyzen-Goedkoop N, Solberg E, Vanhees L, Drezner J, Estes NA 3rd, Iliceto S, Maron BJ, Peidro R, Schwartz PJ, Stein R, Thiene G, Zeppilli P, McKenna WJ; on behalf of the Sections of Sports Cardiology of the European Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation; and the Working Group of Myocardial and Pericardial Disease of the European Society of Cardiology. Recommendations for interpretation of 12-lead electrocardiogram in the athlete. Eur Heart J. 2010;31(2):243-59.
  17. Drezner J, Berger S, Campbell R. Current controversies in the cardiovascular screening of athletes. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2010;9(2):86-92.
  18. Rao A, Standaert C, Drezner J, Herring S. Expert Onion and Controversies in Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine: Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes. Annals Phys Med Rehab. 2010;91(6):958-62.
  19. Drezner JA, Rogers KJ, Horneff JG. Automated External Defibrillator Use at NCAA Division II and III Universities. Br J Sports Med. 2011;45(15):1174-8.
  20. Drezner J, Corrado D. Is There Evidence for Recommending ECG as Part of the Pre-Participation Examination. Clin J Sport Med. 2011;21(1):18-24.
  21. Corrado D, Drezner J, Basso C, Pelliccia A, Thiene G. Strategies for the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death During Sports. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2011;18(2):197-208.
  22. Harmon K, Asif I, Klossner D, Drezner J. Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death in NCAA Athletes. Circulation. 2011;123(15):1594-600.
  23. Kaltman JR, Thompson P, Lantos J, Berul CI, Cohen J, Cook N, Drezner J, Frick KD, Kannankeril PJ, Leslie L, Priori S,  Saul JP, Sharpiro-Mendoza C, Siscovick D, Vetter VL, Botkin J, Corrado D, Goldman S, Hlatky M, Boineau R, Burns K, Friedman R. Report of the NHLBI Working Group on Screening for Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young. Circulation 2011;123(17);1911-18.
  24. Drezner J, Asif I, Harmon K. Automated External Defibrillators and Emergency Response Planning for Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Health and Fitness Facilities. Physician Sportsmed. 2011;39(2):114-8.
  25. Borjesson M, Serratosa L, Carre F, Corrado D, Drezner J, Dugmore DL, Heidbuchel HH, Mellwig KP, Panhuyzen-Goedkoop NM, Papadakis M, Rasmusen H, Sharma S, Solberg EE, van Buuren F, Pelliccia A. Consensus document regarding cardiovascular safety at sports arenas: Position Stand from the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, section of Sports Cardiology. Eur Heart J. 2011;32(17):2119-24.
  26. Drezner JA. ECG Screening in Athletes: Time to Develop Infrastructure. Heart Rhythm. 2011;8(10):1560-1.
  27. Drezner JA, Harmon KG, Borjesson M. Incidence of sudden cardiac death in athletes: where did the science go? Br J Sports Med. 2011;45(12):947-8
  28. Uberoi A, Stein R, Perez MV, Freeman J, Wheeler M, Dewey F, Peidro R, Hadley D, Drezner J, Sharma S, Pelliccia A, Corrado D, Niebauer J, Estes M, Ashley E, Froelicher V. Interpretation of the electrocardiogram in young athletes. Circulation. 2011;124(6):746-57.
  29. Asif IM, Drezner JA. Sudden Cardiac Death and Pre-participation Screening: The Debate Continues – In Support of ECG-Inclusive Pre-participation Screening. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2012;54(5):445-50.
  30. Drezner JA, Asif IM, Owens DS, Prutkin JM, Salerno JC, Fean R, Rao AL, Stout K, Harmon KG. Accuracy of ECG Interpretation in Competitive Athletes: the Impact of Utilizing Standardized ECG Criteria. Br J Sports Med. 2012;46(5):335-40.
  31. Webner D, Duprey KM, Drezner JA, Cronholm P, Roberts WO. Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Death in United States Marathons. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44(10):1843-5.
  32. Weiler R, Goldstein M, Beasley I, Drezner J, Dvorak J. What can we do to reduce the number of tragic cardiac events in sport? Br J Sports Med. 2012;46(13):897-8.
  33. Drezner J, Fudge J, Harmon K, Berger S, Campbell R, Vetter V. Warning Symptoms and Family History in Children and Young Adults with Sudden Cardiac Arrest. J Am Board Fam Med. 2012;25(4):408-15.
  34. Williams ES, Owens DS, Drezner JA, Prutkin JM. Electrocardiogram Interpretation in the Athlete. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol. 2012;23(2):65-71.
  35. Kramer E, Botha M, Drezner J, Hosny-Adbelrahman Y, Dvorak J. Practical Management of Sudden Cardiac Arrest on the Football Field. Br J Sports Med. 2012;46(16):1094-6.
  36. Meyer L, Stubbs B, Fahrenbruch C, Maeda C, Harmon K, Eisenberg M, Drezner J. Incidence, Etiology, and Survival Trends from Cardiovascular-related Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Children and Young Adults Age 0-35 in King County, Washington: A 30-Year Review. Circulation. 2012;126(11):1363-72.
  37. Casa DJ, Anderson SA, Baker L, Bennett S, Bergeron MF, Connolly D, Courson R, Drezner JA, Eichner ER, Epley B, Fleck S, Franks R, Guskiewicz KM, Harmon KG, Hoffman J, Holschen JC, Jost J, Kinniburgh A, Klossner D, Lopez RM, Martin G, McDermott BP, Mihalik JP, Myslinski T, Pagnotta K, Poddar S, Rodgers G, Russell A, Sales L, Sandler D, Stearns RL, Stiggins C, Thompson C. The Inter-Association Task Force for Preventing Sudden Death in Collegiate Conditioning Sessions: Best Practices Recommendations. J Athl Train. 2012;47(4):477-80.
  38. Wilson MG, Drezner JA. Sports cardiology: current updates and new directions. Br J Sports Med. 2012 Nov;46 Suppl 1:i2-i4.
  39. Borjesson M, Drezner J. Cardiac screening: time to move forward! Br J Sports Med. 2012 Nov;46 Suppl 1:i4-i6.
  40. Drezner JA. Standardised criteria for ECG interpretation in athletes: a practical tool. Br J Sports Med. 2012 Nov;46 Suppl 1:i6-i8.
  41. Toresdahl B, Courson R, Börjesson M, Sharma S, Drezner J. Emergency cardiac care in the athletic setting: from schools to the Olympics. Br J Sports Med. 2012 Nov;46 Suppl 1:i85-i89.
  42. Drezner JA. Detect, manage, inform: a paradigm shift in the care of athletes with cardiac disorders? Br J Sports Med. 2013;47:4-5
  43. Toresdahl B, Harmon K, Drezner J. High School AED Programs as a Marker of Emergency Preparedness for Sudden Cardiac Arrest. J Athl Train. 2013;48(2):242-7.
  44. Asif IM, Rao AL, Drezner JA. Sudden cardiac death in young athletes: what is the role of screening? Curr Opin Cardiol. 2013;28:55-62.
  45. Rao A, Asif I, Drezner J. Secondary Prevention of Sudden Death in Athletes: the Role of Automated External Defibrillators. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2013;5:23-31.
  46. Pelto H, Owens D, Drezner J. Electrocardiographic Findings Suggestive of Cardiomyopathy: What to look for and what to do next. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2013;12(2):77-85.
  47. Drezner JA, Ackerman MJ, Anderson J, et al. Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Athletes: the “Seattle Criteria”. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47:122-4.
  48. Drezner JA, Fischbach P, Froelicher V, et al. Normal Electrocardiographic Findings: Recognizing Physiologic Adaptations in Athletes. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47:125-36.
  49. Drezner JA, Ashley E, Baggish AL, et al. Abnormal Electrocardiographic Findings in Athletes: Recognizing Changes Suggestive of Cardiomyopathy. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47:137-52.
  50. Drezner JA, Ackerman MJ, Cannon BC, et al. Abnormal Electrocardiographic Findings in Athletes: Recognizing Changes Suggestive of Primary Electrical Disease. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47:153-67.
  51. Madsen NL, Drezner JA, Salerno JC. Sudden cardiac death screening in adolescent athletes: an evaluation of compliance with national guidelines. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47:172-7.
  52. Coris EE, Sahebzamani F, Curtis A, Jennings J, Walz SM, Nugent D, Reese E, Zwygart KK, Konin JG, Pescasio M, Drezner JA. Preparticipation cardiovascular screening among National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Institutions. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47:182-4.
  53. Drezner JA, Levine BD, Vetter VL. Reframing the Debate: Screening Athletes to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death. Heart Rhythm. 2013;10(3):454-5.
  54. Asif IM, Drezner JA. Detecting occult cardiac disease in athletes: history that makes a difference. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47(11):669.
  55. Schmied C, Drezner J, Kramer E, Dvorak J. Cardiac events in football and strategies for first-responder treatment on the field. Br J Sports Med. 2013 (Online first April 25)
  56. Casa DJ, Almquist J, Anderson SA, Baker L, Bergeron MF, Biagioli B, Boden B, Brenner JS, Carroll M, Colgate B, Cooper L, Courson R, Csillan D, Demartini JK, Drezner JA, Erickson T, Ferrara MS, Fleck SJ, Franks R, Guskiewicz KM, Holcomb WR, Huggins RA, Lopez RM, Mayer T, McHenry P, Mihalik JP, O’Connor FG, Pagnotta KD, Pryor RR, Reynolds J, Stearns RL, Valentine V. The inter-association task force for preventing sudden death in secondary school athletics programs: best-practices recommendations. J Athl Train. 2013;48(4):546-53.
  57. Balady GJ, Drezner JA. Tackling cardiovascular health risks in college football players. Circulation. 2013;128(5):477-80.
  58. Dvorak J, Kramer EB, Schmied CM, Drezner JA, Zideman D, Patricios J, Correia L, Pedrinelli A, Mandelbaum B. The FIFA medical emergency bag and FIFA 11 steps to prevent sudden cardiac death: setting a global standard and promoting consistent football field emergency care. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47(18):1199-202.
  59. Drezner J, Toresdahl B, Rao A, Huszti E, Harmon K. Outcomes from Sudden Cardiac Arrest in U.S. High Schools: A Two-Year Prospective Study from the National Registry for AED Use in Sports. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47(18):1179-83.
  60. Rao AL, Salerno JC, Asif IM, Drezner JA. Evaluation and Management of Wolff-Parkinson-White in Athletes. Sports Health. 2013 October 22 (OnlineFirst)
  61. Madsen NL, Drezner JA, Salerno JC. The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation: An Analysis of Clinical Practice. Clin J Sport Med. 2013 Nov 13. [Epub ahead of print]
  62. Drezner JA, Harmon KG, Marek JC. Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Minnesota High School Student Athletes: the Limitations of Catastrophic Insurance Claims. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013 Nov 21 [Epub ahead of print]
  63. Price DE, McWilliams A, Asif IM, Martin A, Elliott SD, Dulin M, Drezner JA. Electrocardiography-Inclusive Screening Strategies for the Detection of Cardiovascular Abnormalities in High School Athletes. Heart Rhythm. 2013 Dec. 4 [Epub ahead of print]

 

Research Awards Related to UW Sports Cardiology Program:

  • 2013 First Place Presenter Award, University of Washington Graduate Medical Education Research Day. “Incidence and Outcomes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in High School Students and Student-Athletes” by Toresdahl B, Rao A, Harmon K, Drezner J. Seattle, WA, 2013.
  • 2013 Harry Galanty Young Investigator’s Award, American Medical Society of Sports Medicine 22nd Annual Meeting. “Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in High School Students and Student-Athletes” by Toresdahl B, Rao A, Harmon K, Drezner J. San Diego, CA, April 2013.
  • 2012 Harry Galanty Young Investigator’s Award, American Medical Society of Sports Medicine 21st Annual Meeting. “Cardiovascular Screening in Young Athletes: A Prospective Study Comparing the PPE Monograph 4th Edition and Electrocardiogram” by Fudge J, Drezner J, Harmon K, Owens D, Prutkin J, Asif I, Haruta A, Pelto H, Rao A, Salerno J.  Atlanta, GA, April 2012.
  • 2012 STFM Best Research Paper. Harmon K, Asif I, Klossner D, Drezner J. Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death in NCAA Athletes. Circulation. 2011;123(15):1594-600. Seattle, WA, 2012.
  • 2011 Harry Galanty Young Investigator’s Award: “Accuracy of ECG Interpretation in Competitive Athletes” by Asif I, Drezner J, Fean J, Harmon K, Owens D, Prutkin J, Rao A, Salerno J, Stout K. American Medical Society of Sports Medicine 20th Annual Meeting. Salt Lake City, UT, April 2011.
  • 2011 Research Subspecialty Award: “Incidence, Etiology, and Survival Trends from Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Children and Young Adults Age 0-35 in King County, Washington: A 30-Year Review” by Meyer L, Drezner J, Fahrenbruch C, Stubbs B, Maeda C, Harmon K, and Eisenberg M. 2011 Western Regional Meeting, Carmel, CA, January 2011.
  • 2010 Best Overall Research Award: “Incidence and Etiology of Sudden Death in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Athletes” by Asif I, Harmon K, Drezner J, Klossner D. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine 19th Annual Meeting, Cancun, Mexico, April 2010.
  • 2009 Harry Galanty Young Investigator’s Award: “Warning Symptoms and Family History in Children with Sudden Cardiac Arrest” by Fudge J, Drezner J, Harmon K, Berger S, Campbell R, Vetter V. American Medical Society of Sports Medicine 18th Annual Meeting, Tampa, FL, April 2009.
  • 2008 Best Overall Research Award: “Adequacy and Effectiveness of Emergency Response Planning for Sudden Cardiac Arrest in High Schools with Automated External Defibrillators” by Drezner JA, Harmon KG, Heistand J, Cramer M, Rao A. Rendezvous II – Combined Annual Meetings for the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, March 2008.
  • 2008 Harry Galanty Young Investigator’s Award: “Details and Outcomes of Resuscitation Following Sudden Cardiac Arrest in High School Student Athletes from the United States” by Rao A, Drezner JA, Cramer M, Harmon KG. Rendezvous II – Combined Annual Meetings for the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, March 2008.
  • 2009 NCAA Research Award: “Sudden Cardiac Arrest at Collegiate Athletic Venues” by Rao A, Harmon K, Drezner J. American Medical Society of Sports Medicine 18th Annual Meeting.Tampa, FL, April 2009.
  • 2004 Harry Galanty Young Investigator’s Award, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine 13th Annual Meeting: “Use of Automated External Defibrillators at Division I Universities” by Drezner JA, Rogers KJ, Zimmer RR, Sennett BJ. Vancouver, BC, March 2004.